Size Is Symphony's Biggest Problem

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, like many other orchestras, may simply be a victim of its size. Although comments through the months have focused on younger audience members not understanding "serious" music or being too focused on iPods, I can though my experience say with certainty that this is not the problem.

The problem comes with having to fill a venue that is simply larger than the available audience, and having to fill too many dates for the musicians. It becomes a vicious cycle where running programs that require huge amounts of funding for a relatively small audience siphons cash away from programs that could work.

Dollars could be concentrated on bringing the symphony, in smaller numbers, into schools throughout the area for performances and other forms of educational outreach. This not only inspires students, but also builds the sense of community that is essential for any arts program.

Classical music's own worst enemy can sometimes be its supporters and musicians. If they continue to believe that their music is superior to all other forms, then they'll simply drive people away. It's easy to forget that Mozart and Vivaldi were the pop musicians of their day.

Charlie Shafer, Madison

The writer is the director of Fire In The Kitchen Concerts and Workshops, director of an artists' co-op for self-booking, and a past board member of the Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra.